This is the second time I have used this brilliant service and it was flawless again. I booked the collection for 8am the driver was there for 7:55am I asked for the car back before 4pm it was as back for 2pm. This service is perfect for busy people like myself. Well worth the 5 star rating I have g...

Nikos from Manchester

I was very skeptical initially with the service I was going to be provided by Fixter. Nevertheless it is very convenient that they come and get your car from any place and date. So I booked for a major service on the date and place I wanted. On that day, a guy came with his folded bike (10mins late)...

Jason from Altrincham

I thought it made the mot and service ball ache a lot better, I got to stay at home and the friendly chap came and took my car off for work. You get kept informed all the way through the process. I will be using fixter next time

Calnette from Manchester

I booked in for a major service and MOT. They were very efficient. They picked up my car, serviced it well and returned it well in time. Thank you guys so much

Angela from Salford

Excellent! Recommend to everyone.. great prices and great job done! Thank you!

Southampton

Southampton is 70 miles south-west of London and 15 miles north-west of Portsmouth. It is the largest city in Hampshire and also in the south-east of England, with an estimated population of 250,000.

Boasting many medieval heritage buildings, Southampton hosts some of the longest surviving stretches of medieval walls in England.

It’s also home to a multitude of museums, including the Tudor House and Southampton Maritime museums. The SeaCity Museum is located in the west wing of the Civic Centre and focuses on the city’s trading history and the famous ocean-going passenger liner, The Titanic.

The Guildhall (currently branded The O2 Guildhall) has played host to a mass of musical talent in its time: Pink Floyd, David Bowie, The Killers, Amy Winehouse and Lostprophets have all played here, as well as the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Southampton Philharmonic Choir.

The most popular cars in Southampton

One of the major players in the growth of the SUV market, the Nissan Qashqai is estimated to be the most popular car in Southampton, according to data provided between 2012 to 2018 by ownership and postcode.

Close on its heels—and in order of popularity—are the Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Tiguan, Ford Fiesta and the Mercedes A-Class.

Vehicle numbers in Southampton

There are approximately 175,000 licensed vehicles in the Southampton area, with some of the most popular models including the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Corsa and the VW Polo.

Fixter garages in Southampton

There are a total of 14 Fixter garages in the Southampton area, all ready and waiting to provide you with a fantastic quote for your car service, MOT and a wide range of vehicle repairs.

Fixter garages service the following postcodes and more, in and around the Southampton area:

S01: Bargate, Millbrook & Freemantle, Southampton

SO14: Bevois & Bitterne Park, Southampton

SO15: Freemantle, Shirley & Redbridge, Southampton

SO16: Swaythling & Bassett, Southampton

SO17: Portswood, Southampton

SO18: Bitterne Park, Southampton

What does a car battery do?

The car battery is responsible for powering all of the electric components in your car. As well as the lights, stereo, windscreen wipers, etc. it is also responsible for powering the ignition system that starts your engine and keeps it running.

How often should a car battery need replacing?

A car battery is to have an expected lifespan of between 4 to 6 years. This is dependent on several factors, for example, the quality of the battery, weather conditions, vehicle type, driving habits, and vehicle type.

The law, vehicle regulations, and your MOT

The physical condition of your battery will not cause your car to fail an MOT, but if the car won’t start, run or operate the electrical components properly because of your battery, then that will.

What happens when we replace your car battery?

Our efficient and fully qualified mechanics will inspect your battery for correct operation, signs of corrosion and will be load tested to ascertain its ability to retain charge.

Wherever required your battery will be replaced and you’ll be advised of any other connected or associated problems arising from its malfunction.

You will also be advised of any other parts, for example, the cables, that may need to be replaced for the best operation and health of your vehicle.

Once the battery has been replaced, our mechanics will test it thoroughly to ensure the correct running of your car and make any adjustments required for its premium operation.

What causes a car battery to stop working correctly?

Your battery is continually being charged by your car’s alternator while driving, so it’s only through damage or that it has reached the end of its operational life, that it will fail to hold its charge.

On occasions when there has been excessive electrical use without your battery being recharged, your battery will be drained. A drained battery will only require a recharge unless the battery is faulty and its failed operation was instrumental to the drain.

After prolonged use, a car battery can leak the acid that holds the electrical charge. This liquid will turn to a white or bluish powder where it dries, so is fairly easy to spot.

Eventually, a battery will simply reach the end of its life. At this point, it’s time to organise a replacement.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning car battery

If your car won’t start

If your car doesn’t start when you turn the ignition switch, especially when the engine doesn’t make any attempt to turn over, your battery could be flat.

None of the electrical components work

If the lights, fan, radio or any other electrical components in your car don’t turn on or operate, then your battery could be drained or damaged.

The terminals are corroded

If the terminals (connection points) on your battery are corroded, then your battery is likely to be damaged or worn out.

Your battery has powdery deposits on it

If there are white or blueish powdery deposits on any parts of the battery, this is a sign of acid leaking and incorrect operation of your battery.